Nvidia laid the groundwork for physical AI, and now a wave of robotics startups is being launched by its former employees.
The semiconductor leader has invested heavily in robotics, and CEO Jensen Huang coined the phrase “physical AI,” describing systems that can engage with the physical world.
Similar to AI agents, Nvidia aims to develop core technology — its chips that drive robots and the software that trains them — creating a fertile environment for entrepreneurs.
Lately, several individuals who contributed to Nvidia’s robotics research have spun out to launch their own companies,

